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Ask HN: Is there a TV on the market without “Smart TV” features?

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Re: Ask HN: Is there a TV on the market without “Smart TV” features?

#341

Post by winternett »

MR4D wrote: post #205

You want to buy a “monitor”, not a TV. For instance there is this from LG [0] or this from Dell [1]. Just do a search for “large 4K monitor” and you’ll find more. [0] - https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lg-43-ultrafine-4k-uhd-monitor-... [1] - https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/dell-55-4k-conference-r...

I have a Sharp Aquos I got around 2014 and it's pretty good. I haven't used the smart functions on it since 2015 and nothing pops up to upsell me features... It also doesn't have any hidden cameras or microphones on it from what I can tell. If it fails me, I'll probably try to find a lightly used copy of the same model. Sharp TVs have always been reliable in my experience since I was a kid.

These days I only buy slightly older tech, and it costs less too. New tech has too many new features bent on betraying and upselling me, worst crime is that they make you pay extra for the deceitware and bloatware.

I really don't need 4k unless it's on my gaming PC monitor/

Re: Ask HN: Is there a TV on the market without “Smart TV” features?

#343

Post by hedora »

ddingus wrote: post #323
NonNefarious wrote: post #214

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Didn't stop Google from turning the top third of all Android-based TVs' UI into ads a while back. People weren't pleased that their $4000 Sony TVs were turned into a spam conduit, but Google was quite pleased to say FU.

I just saw a TV labeled, "Android TV", and was curious. Wow. I won't be going forward and will probably just pay up for a commercial grade type set, or some combination of monitor / tuner. So far, I've been lucky. After finally moving off of a CRT for primary TV viewing, I picked up a smart plasma from Samsung. Never put it online, and that TV is awesome! Gonna miss it one day. Looks like OLED is going to deliver nic…

Roku gets you with ad targeting for ad supported programming. So, things with commercial breaks play ads based on what you watched on other channels. It's remarkably good at joining web browsing sessions from cookie-free web browsing sessions to my roku. I'm not sure what mechanism they use to join the accounts to web browsing sessions.

Re: Ask HN: Is there a TV on the market without “Smart TV” features?

#344

Post by hellisothers »

GekkePrutser wrote: post #195
ajaimk wrote: post #62

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Sadly, Samsung is leapfrogging LG with QD OLED :-( Which is going to be better technology (brighter colors with OLED blacks) Owner of 2 LG OLEDs

Really? I thought LG was pretty good. I'd have bought one already but I'm thinking about moving house and I don't want to have to deal with a fragile 55 or 65" TV. Also, I need the money for a downpayment. I currently have a 32" LG LCD which I'm also pretty happy about. It's obviously no OLED and it's not 4K but for a cheap LCD it's pretty decent. I also love the serial control options (over USB) and I'm working to i…

Not to derail the overall discussion but LG OLED is still the best blacks and the best option if you can control room lighting. The latest Samsung QLED has gotten closer on blacks (though the latest LG have gotten closer on brights too…) and is still the brightest but neither “beat” the other, it depends on if you want the blackest blacks or the brightest brights. Also of note is the QLED only goes to 65”, LG goes to 83” Check out comparisons on rtings.

Re: Ask HN: Is there a TV on the market without “Smart TV” features?

#347

Post by tinco »

JellyBeanThief wrote: post #313
JonathonW wrote: post #306

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That model has a logo on the stand. It's pretty small, but logos are generally fairly small on almost any current TV (since thin bezels are in style, which doesn't leave much room for a logo).

Have you considered concealing the logos? I ask because I haven't and I'd be interested to hear the thoughts of someone who has. I imagine there could be lots of ways to conceal logos attractively if know-how and slightly greater effort is on the table.

I've heard you can polish out logo's with a sugar cube. Never tried it myself but the idea is it's hard enough to scrub off a printed logo but soft enough as not to scratch the plastic.

Re: Ask HN: Is there a TV on the market without “Smart TV” features?

#348

Post by ddingus »

hedora wrote: post #343
ddingus wrote: post #323

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I just saw a TV labeled, "Android TV", and was curious. Wow. I won't be going forward and will probably just pay up for a commercial grade type set, or some combination of monitor / tuner. So far, I've been lucky. After finally moving off of a CRT for primary TV viewing, I picked up a smart plasma from Samsung. Never put it online, and that TV is awesome! Gonna miss it one day. Looks like OLED is going to deliver nic…

Roku gets you with ad targeting for ad supported programming. So, things with commercial breaks play ads based on what you watched on other channels. It's remarkably good at joining web browsing sessions from cookie-free web browsing sessions to my roku. I'm not sure what mechanism they use to join the accounts to web browsing sessions.

They don't get much from me. I watch very little, and less with commercials.

But yes, I get your point.

Re: Ask HN: Is there a TV on the market without “Smart TV” features?

#349

Post by sunpazed »

I recently purchased a Sony A90J after owning a “dumb” TV for over a decade. I was pleased to see that there was a “TV only” option that did not require me to use any of the “Smart” TV features.

In fact, given I can control the TV through my Apple 4k device I never have to experience any of the televisions interface (apart from settings and inputs)

Re: Ask HN: Is there a TV on the market without “Smart TV” features?

#350

Post by sunpazed »

sunpazed wrote: post #349

I recently purchased a Sony A90J after owning a “dumb” TV for over a decade. I was pleased to see that there was a “TV only” option that did not require me to use any of the “Smart” TV features. In fact, given I can control the TV through my Apple 4k device I never have to experience any of the televisions interface (apart from settings and inputs)

I forgot to mention, there is no sounds, no jingle, no logo when operating the television — which is refreshing given that my LG and Samsung appliances are constantly jingling for my attention and engagement.
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